Party poppers at the ready 🎉 - it was my 6-month work anniversary last Thursday, and it’s undoubtedly been the most memorable start to a new job that I’ve ever encountered.
I was only in the office a matter of weeks before we made the switch to homeworking, so for the most part I’ve been enjoying make-up free, top knot kinda working days, swapping my pyjama top for a tee seconds before joining a video call most days. (As if I’m the only one doing this?!)
Working from home has always seemed like the dream set up, and in many ways, it has been.
As a natural night owl who hates mornings, I like the extra hour’s sleep. I’ve never been able to stomach breakfast when I first wake up, so would usually skip this meal altogether and rumble through to lunchtime. But now I can wander into my kitchen around 9.30am for my sugary dose of snap, crackle and pop. I can indulge in fish finger sandwiches and homemade potato wedges on my lunch break, or even have a power nap. And my commute involves walking from my makeshift home office into my living room in just a few steps. No frizzy haired I’ve-just-been-caught-in-the-rain moments, Metro delays or that dreaded low rail adhesion to deal with (one for the locals there!).
But, despite these little lifestyle luxuries, the lack of social interaction has been really hard. Those initial weeks of lockdown were incredibly challenging, as I literally had no face-to-face contact with anyone besides the checkout staff at my local supermarket. And even then I would barely mutter a word. I craved interaction but when I was confronted by it, I struggled to engage with the people around me. It was a very odd, alienating experience.
The flurry of Zoom calls and WhatsApp chats in those early days just didn’t cut it either. I’d have those moments where I would just stare at the talking heads on my screen, wondering when I would see these people again in real life. I felt a little lost and alone, with just my laptop and mobile phone for company.
My new job has quite literally been my lifeline through lockdown.
Besides the obvious (of having a steady income) it’s given me something to focus on every day and has helped to distract me from the craziness of the world outside.
And it’s been my little support bubble, in no small part, thanks to my colleagues. They are some of the loveliest people I have ever met and they really love what they do. And that kinda vibe really does rub off – even from a distance!
Ironically, I think I’ve bonded with some of my colleagues better than I would have done in person. We communicate more frequently throughout the working day, as opposed to the pattern of swift, sporadic chats that were beginning to emerge in those first few weeks in the office. And everyone really makes an effort to ‘check in’ and see how you’re doing.
As I mentioned last time, I’m back in the office two days a week now. Despite my initial anxiety about returning, I’m enjoying the familiarity of the bright open office space again and mixing with a small group of my colleagues. Who knew that a plain ol’ normal routine would feel so comforting?
Ideally, I’ll like to continue with a bit of homeworking and a few office days throughout the week, as I think that’s the perfect mix for me in terms of that elusive work-life balance.
What I’ve come to realise though, is that work isn’t just about the stuff you do – it’s the people you do it with. Your colleagues really can make or break a workplace. And, for me, social interactions with my team are always going to be a better experience in real life…but only on the days I’m happy to lose an hour’s sleep!
August 3 - 10 mixtape
Quote of the week
I spotted this quote on LinkedIn last week, shared by Sara Blakely, founder and CEO of SPANX. It made me smile so, of course, I took a screenshot!
Newsletter of the week
If you’re a writer on the lookout for new opportunities then Sian Meades-Williams’ weekly newsletter is a must-read, as she collates some fab freelance opportunities and roles from all across the UK, and usually shares lucrative call-outs from editors on Twitter, too.